6 Vaginal Odors to Put on Your Radar

It's perfectly natural for your hoo-ha to have a certain, shall we say, aroma, according to Jennifer Wider, MD. But while how you smell down there can depend on your daily activities and your diet, vaginal odor can also be an indicator of a serious infection. Dr. Wider lays out the smells you should keep tabs on, so you can tell the difference between totally normal and not okay.

Musky

Musky

A healthy vagina will usually have some sort of smell, but the scent may vary day-to-day depending on how active you are. Like, after a super intense spin class, your hoo-ha may have a stronger, musky smell from the surrounding sweat glands—which is 100 percent normal.

Fishy

Fishy

If your vagina gives off a strong, foul odor, it may be the sign of an infection. For example, bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and upsets the delicate PH balance of the vagina, causing an increase in discharge and a strong fishy odor that increases after you've had sex. A foul odor with green discharge typically indicates trichomoniasis, an STD. So, if you just don't smell right, trust your instinct and see your doctor.